Regis University renovates clinical simulation lab
$1.25 million from two anonymous donors supports health profession training
Regis University recently finished a $1.25 million renovation of the Simulation Lab that supports its Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions (RHCHP) programs on its Northwest Denver Campus.
The new lab is able to simulate several real-world clinical health care environments, such as an intensive care unit, providing valuable hands-on learning for students in its nursing, pharmacy and physical therapy schools.
“The renovated lab allows us to train our students in both routine and unexpected events that can occur in the health care field,” said Jeffrey DesMarteau, assistant professor of nursing and RHCHP Sim Lab coordinator. “The Sim Lab is true to life and immersive. It trains students to be more confident and competent in their interactions.”
The renovation more than doubled the space of the lab by adding four simulation rooms. Each room is more than 200 square feet, about 60 percent larger than the previous rooms. The University also added space for debriefing and skills training, a dedicated simulation control room, and storage capacity for larger item equipment. Additionally, substantial upgrades were made to the technology, including new computers, new patient simulators, a state-of-the-art video system and networking infrastructure upgrades. Some of the tech projects are still in progress and will be completed later in the academic year.
“We are so grateful to our donors who have made it possible for us to continue training high caliber students well-known as future Regis nurses, Regis pharmacists and Regis physical therapists,” said Dr. Linda Osterlund, academic dean of the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. “The new simulation lab provides the space needed for students to practice interprofessionally, learning with, about and from other healthcare professions, for the best possible outcomes for patients.”
A Sim Lab Open House is planned for 1-4 p.m., Oct. 21, at its St. Peter Claver, S.J., Hall location.